JADE G. GUMBAN/DNSC Intern
THE CITY Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) assured the public of its preparedness for El Niño, which could affect farmers’ agricultural production and fisherfolk’s harvests.
Speaking at the iSpeak forum on Thursday, CAgrO officer-in-charge Dr. Antonio Obsioma said El Niño is anticipated toward the end of the year and could persist until the first quarter of 2027.
“El Niño is expected to last until August with a 79% likelihood and may extend to year-end or into the first quarter, depending on conditions. Based on reports, there is also a 25% chance of a ‘super’ El Niño, which could prolong its effects into the first quarter of next year,” Obsioma emphasized.
He added that El Niño conditions resulted in reduced agricultural and marine production, increased temperatures affecting water supply for farming and fisheries, heightened risks of pest and disease outbreaks, and rising prices of agricultural products.
Obsioma highlighted CAgrO’s preparations, including a P10-million fund for additional seeds and fertilizers, the promotion of drought-resistant crops and vegetables, a proposal to procure portable solar-powered irrigation systems, and the development of additional water sources.
He also recommended that fisherfolk strengthen the planting of binhi component plants in fishponds and promote urban gardening.
Obsioma stressed that if the El Niño crisis worsened, there was a possibility of issuing an emergency ordinance.
“Davao City is a trading hub. If it were threatened, an emergency ordinance would likely be implemented to ensure that all food supplies remain within the city, as other areas would be expected to do the same,” Obsioma emphasized.
He noted that the supply of agricultural and marine products was stable and remained unaffected by the El Niño crisis.
